Most of us experience some degree of anxiety about exams. Whilst a certain amount of exam nerves are a healthy sign that you take your course/studies seriously and want all your hard work to be recognised, it is important to keep on top of exam anxiety. Some of us suffer with stress more than others. Our fears get compounded by the importance of doing well, as the result may be life-changing. Pressure from family and friends doesn’t help either.
For many people, the nerves that build up in the anticipation of an exam, can be just as bad as the test or exam itself. Thoughts of what might happen, or what might go wrong, or what questions might get asked, just compound and this stress builds and builds.
Many of these feelings are to do with lack of confidence while in a test situation. We might ‘know’ that we are competent in our subject, but feel and sometimes find, that our skills desert us just as soon as the test or exam begins and this can be especially frustrating. All these things can bring untold pressure and of course, if we fail this can add even more pressure and worry for the re-sit.
- Very common issues and signs of test or exam nerves are:
- Feelings of anxiety leading up to the test
- Butterflies in the tummy, feeling sick, and a dry mouth
- Trembling hands trying to write the answers in a written test
- A blank mind during the test
- Fear of speaking in front of examiners in an oral exam.
Hypnotherapy can help you to overcome lack of confidence and anxiety, both when you are learning and recalling to provide you with just the right blend of relaxation and focus when you get to your exam.
